Lead Specialist Planning & Environmental Engineer

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Lead Specialist Planning & Environmental Engineer

12 months

Hybrid working - Glasgow

Position Description

Our client requires an experienced Planning and Environmental Specialist Lead to join Civil, Environmental and Renewables (CER) Engineering Department to manage planning and environmental consenting and compliance on our UK windfarm portfolio.

The successful candidate will have responsibility for delivering planning and environmental consents, discharge of planning conditions and mitigation measures on consented projects and oversight of construction environmental management. They will be an experienced infrastructure planner or environmental specialist with strong understanding of existing and emerging planning and environmental legislation in Scotland and the UK.

Other responsibilities may include delivering the environmental inputs necessary for both the consenting and delivery phases for large-scale, exciting new projects currently being developed across the business in the areas of onshore and offshore wind and emerging renewable technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage planning and environmental compliance activities, including the discharge of planning conditions, for our portfolio of consented UK onshore wind farms, in particular the Scottish wind farm portfolio.
• Lead consultations with key external stakeholders and statutory authorities as required e.g. local authorities, NatureScot, SEPA, Marine Scotland, public consultations etc.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across company and partner companies to manage the preparation and submission of planning and environmental consenting applications to the appropriate statutory authorities, in compliance with the relevant legislative requirements.
• Manage the procurement and delivery of planning, environmental and other related consultant services to support project consenting and compliance activities.
• Provide expert planning and environmental advice to project teams to successfully scope and deliver projects in a timely manner by contributing to feasibility, screening and other studies for sites as required.
• Find solutions to planning and environmental consenting issues, with limited oversight and advise project teams on technical planning and environmental matters.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant planning and environmental regulatory requirements for development projects especially in areas of new technologies.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Essential

The successful candidate must have:

• Minimum 7 years' experience in the area of Planning and/or Environmental Consenting and experience in discharge of planning conditions on consented major infrastructure projects.
• A strong understanding of the planning and environmental regulatory requirements in the UK, particularly in Scotland, related to consenting of major infrastructure projects.
• In depth knowledge and experience of the consenting process for major infrastructure developments (e.g. Section 36, Environmental Impact Assessment process and assessment under the Habitats Regulations).
• A professional manner with strong inter-personal skills, with an ability to communicate at all levels and deliver high performance results.
• Strong stakeholder management skills and proven track record of managing internal and external stakeholders and leading successful public consultations.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct efficient decision making and problem solving in collaboration with other key stakeholders.
• Strong organisational and structured approach to project management and commercial aspects of projects.
• A flexible approach to work, especially where necessary to deliver on project requirements.
• A full clean driving licence and access to a car.

Desirable

• A proven track record of delivering environmental consent requirements and/or discharge of planning permission for large infrastructure projects, including in the marine environment.
• Experience and preparation of other consent applications e.g. Environmental Permits and Marine Consents and supporting studies and surveys.
• Experience of consenting infrastructure projects in the marine environment in the UK.

Qualifications

Essential

• Level 8 Planning, Environmental or Science Degree or equivalent qualification.

Desirable

• Level 9 Planning, Environmental or Science Degree or equivalent qualification.
• Chartered status in a recognised professional institution.
• Full membership of a recognised professional planning institute.
• Project Management qualification.

Safety

• The successful candidate must comply with all Health and Safety Regulations and requirements pertaining to the location where they are working and must comply with all directions and instructions from their designated line management.
• The successful candidate is required to have all Personal Protective Equipment and relevant safety training (e.g. CSCS Card) necessary to attend construction sites.

Base Location

This role is based in our clients Glasgow Office. Travel to project locations in the UK, predominantly Scotland, is a key requirement of the role.

The successful candidate may combine remote working from home, with attendance at base for in-person collaboration - expected to be one to two days per week (to be agreed with the Manager) - and may be subject to change.

As stated above, site visits are also a feature of this role which will require a certain amount of travel within the UK and on occasion to offices in Ireland.

ersg are an equal opportunities employer; we are committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all job applicants. We do not discriminate against applicants on the basis of age, sex, race, disability, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or religious background; all decisions are based on merit.